Whether you’re building a new home or you just want to upgrade your existing one, vinyl plank flooring is a popular option. Depending on the type and installation method you choose, it can be extremely easy to install, it’s durable and you can buy it in a huge selection of patterns and colours to suit your home. But what are vinyl planks flooring prices like? Let’s take a look.
Factors that influence the cost of vinyl plank flooring?
Because vinyl plank flooring comes in different thicknesses, designs and even core construction, the prices can vary quite a bit depending on what you choose. You may want premium, top-of-the-range flooring with a more expensive installation method, and this will be a lot more expensive than a cheaper vinyl plank option that’s installed using the floating method. Let’s look at the costs in more detail.
Materials
The materials you choose will have a significant impact on the overall cost of your installation. Typically, if you want standard vinyl plank flooring you can expect to pay around $2.50 – $5.00 per square foot. You can also choose premium vinyl plank flooring and the price can range from $5.00 – $12.00 per square foot.
There are cheaper options out there such as vinyl sheet flooring or vinyl tile flooring, but many people prefer plank flooring because it mimics the style of a hardwood floor more than the other options.
Labour
The labour costs for installing vinyl plank flooring can vary quite considerably, especially depending on your location. Plus, it might even depend on the installer you choose and how busy they are. Typically, flooring professionals may charge more if they’re busy, and less if they don’t have much work on. For the labour costs, it’s best to contact an installer directly, tell them what you need to be done, and ask for a quote.
Installation method
There are three different ways to install vinyl flooring, and each has a different cost depending on the time it takes. This could potentially fall under the ‘labour’ category but it’s important to understand the difference before making your decision.
Floating: This is the cheapest option because no glue is required. The planks simply click together and fill the required space. You don’t even need to remove the existing base, which saves even more money.
Peel and stick: This isn’t the most desirable method if you’re trying to save money because peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring is a flexible core product. That means it needs a firm floor to stick to, and this often involves a lot of work to prepare the existing surface. Without this, your planks will likely bend or warp.
Glue-down: While many people like the idea of gluing planks down to enhance strength, it’s a much more expensive option. Quite simply, it takes a lot more time, so the labour costs increase.
Plank thickness
Depending on your preference, you can choose planks that are around 5mm thick, which is usually more than enough for most homes. But if you want a little extra strength, you can go up to around 8mm thick. Naturally, the thicker your planks, the more they will cost, but for durability and strength, it’s worth going for at least 8mm, combined with a wear layer of around 12mm.
The core of planks
You can buy vinyl plank flooring with either a flexible or a stiff core. The flexible version is cheaper, however, if it’s exposed to direct sunlight it has been known to warp. For that reason, you may want to consider a stiff core. These tough vinyl planks still offer great cushioning, but the core is stronger and won’t warp.
You can choose from a wood plastic composite core (WPC) which ranges from around $3 to $6.50 per square foot, or alternatively a stone plastic composite which is usually around $3 to $7 per square foot.
Removing old flooring
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of removing your old flooring if this is a renovation. Much like the labour costs, it’s best to speak to your installer about this. They will be able to provide you with a more accurate quote, but it’s likely just going to be their hourly rate multiplied by how long it takes to remove the flooring. There may also be additional disposal costs.
Ready to explore vinyl planks flooring prices?
Find A Floor gives you access to a huge range of vinyl plank flooring solutions at affordable prices. If you’d like to know more, or you’re ready to start shopping, contact our friendly team today.
